Shortly after landing in Dhaka, Jaishankar met Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and Zia’s eldest son, and conveyed India’s deepest condolences over the death of the iconic leader who dominated Bangladesh’s politics for over three decades. The external affairs minister is representing India at Zia’s funeral
S Jaishankar (left) hands over PM Modi's letter to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Wednesday. Pic/PTI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as thousands of people bid farewell to former premier Khaleda Zia at her funeral.
Shortly after landing in Dhaka, Jaishankar met Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and Zia’s eldest son, and conveyed India’s deepest condolences over the death of the iconic leader who dominated Bangladesh’s politics for over three decades. The external affairs minister is representing India at Zia’s funeral.
"Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India," Jaishankar said on social media.
"Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values will guide the development of our partnership," he added.
On Tuesday, PM Modi condoled Zia’s death and recalled his meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015.
"Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," Modi said on social media.
PM Modi recalls 2015 Dhaka meeting with Khaleda Zia
"I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he added.
Jaishankar’s visit comes amid frosty ties between India and Bangladesh, which came under strain after the interim government headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus came to power. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh held the Namaz-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as thousands gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral prayer was led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings, according to The Daily Star.
Following the funeral prayer, Zia will be laid to rest with state honours beside her husband, slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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